Posted By Kate Reiter On September 19, 2013 @ 2:50 PM In NHL | No Comments

[1]On Thursday the Chicago Blackhawks announced that forward Marian Hossa will miss their next four preseason games after re-aggravating an upper-body injury.

The ‘Hawks play tonight against the Penguins, Friday against the Capitals, Sunday against the Red Wings and then Monday against the Penguins (again).

Based on the four-game window, Hossa could theoretically return for Chicago’s final two exhibition games next week, but the club has stated he’s “expected” to be ready for the start of the regular season on Oct. 1.

It’s unclear exactly what Hossa tweaked. The 34-year-old missed time last year with an upper-body injury (including Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final) and, afterward, reports surfaced of him dealing with a bad back throughout the playoffs.